Mint Juleps

No Southern Belle would be without a recipe for a good Mint Julep!

"The Mint Julep has become the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby over the years, a tradition that has stood fast since 1938."

• Mint Juleps - A Kentucky Derby Tradition

Mint Juleps Recipe (from the link)

(Makes Eight 4 ounce Mint Juleps)
Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves (Spearmint is the Southern favorite)
• 32 fluid ounces Kentucky bourbon

Note: Have additional fresh mint leaves for garnish

Directions:

1. Place fresh mint leaves that are dime to quarter in size into a bowl, stems removed. Wash thoroughly and dry.
2. Combine water and sugar in saucepan and heat until the mixture turns crystal clear. Do not boil.
3. Pour syrup over the mint leaves, bruising the leaves to infuse the mint flavor into the syrup. Allow to steep in warm mixture for fifteen minutes.
4. Allow syrup to cool slightly, then add Whiskey and pour entire mixture into a glass bottle, cap tightly and refrigerate for 24 hours

During The Kentucky Derby Party:

Fill a chilled highball glass or silver goblet with crushed ice; add 4 ounces of the Mint Julep mixture (strain out the bruised leaves as you pour) and top with a sprig of fresh mint. Serve with a straw that just peeks over the rim of the glass. Drink and Repeat!

Once everyone has their traditional Mint Julep in hand, the Kentucky Derby Race for the Roses can begin! Just listen for “And they’re off!